Diamond Advice

[happy dude]

Hi,

I am currently going through the process of buying my first (and hopefully only!) engagement ring.

I am currently looking at 2 diamonds, from different jewellers and am somewhat confused on which to purchase.
Hoping for some expert guidance as the numbers from the GIA reports, differences in price and the jewellers terminology have only confused me further.
And I need to buy it this weekend so the ring is ready for the big moment. Starting to panic a little!

Both diamonds are round brilliant, 1.01 carat, GIA certified, f colour, very good cut and SI1 clarity.

The 2 diamonds are:

Diamond 1:
Measurements - 6.45*6.47*3.88
Polish - Excellent
Symmetry - Very Good
Flourescence - None
Depth - 60.1%
Table - 61%
Crown - 32.5 deg
Pav - 40.8 deg

Diamond 2:
Measurements - 6.5*6.54*3.86
Polish - Excellent
Symmetry - Excellent
Flourescence - None
Depth - 59.2%
Table - 60%
Crown - 33.0 deg
Pav - 40.4 deg

What are your opinions on these diamonds and should there be a price difference between the two (or is it just the markup that is different)?

Hoping you can help,

Happy Dude

 

[Regular Guy]

Although these are slightly unconventional options here for the somewhat larger table size, I see they both conform to being under 2 on the HCA, and I have come to trust that standard for balance. I think either would be OK buys. Though with just this info, I''d go with #2 on the slight benefits of size & symmetry...the more ideal case would be your doing something like buying one, taking it to the other, and doing a pepsi test to satisfy yourself in real time as to your visual preference. Better know you can return the one you bought if you end up liking the other.

 

[Lorelei]

Hi HD,

As Ira says, these have a larger table size than those we normally see here, I would see if you can check out these diamonds away from the store lights if possible, to make sure you like the look of each diamond in the '' real life'' lighting conditions that the diamond would be worn in. I would lean towards the first one on paper myself, but it depends on which looks best to you, do you have a preference?

 

[happy dude]

Hi Lorelei and Regular Guy,

Thanks for your response.

I like both and have found it hard to distinguish between the two personally.

The first is around $1300 cheaper than the second, so I am a little confused as to whether there is a technical reason for this to be the case, and whether there is something obvious in the specs that I am missing.

As a first timer, I thought that Regular Guy''s opinion on the size and symmetry were factors before he even responded, but is this the case, and to what extent?

I''m also a little concerned about the table size. Should I be looking at a smaller table size and if so, what % range?

And what number do you aim for with a diamond this size in the HCA table (how far under 2 do you guys look for)?

Thanks again.

From a very confused Happy Dude.

 

[Ellen]

Ok, I''ll throw the wrench in here amongst my friends, and say I would decline both of them.

I would like to see tables between 54-58, crown angles between 34-35 with (complimentary) pavilion angles between 40.6-41. Depth 60-62


If you don''t want to take a crash course in diamonds, I would suggest sticking with AGS0 stones, they are graded for light performance, and take a lot of the guesswork out. They can ensure you get a decent stone, with a nice mix of white light and fire, with nice scintillation. I just know you could do better.

If you have your heart set on one of these, I would pick the first, but you will definitely be losing some fire with the lower crown angle and the 61 table. Also, girdle measurement is not listed, and could be problematic (too thin) with those specs.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/12/2008 8:31:27 AM
Author: happy dude
Hi Lorelei and Regular Guy,

Thanks for your response.

I like both and have found it hard to distinguish between the two personally.

The first is around $1300 cheaper than the second, so I am a little confused as to whether there is a technical reason for this to be the case, and whether there is something obvious in the specs that I am missing.

As a first timer, I thought that Regular Guy''s opinion on the size and symmetry were factors before he even responded, but is this the case, and to what extent?

I''m also a little concerned about the table size. Should I be looking at a smaller table size and if so, what % range?

And what number do you aim for with a diamond this size in the HCA table (how far under 2 do you guys look for)?

Thanks again.

From a very confused Happy Dude.

I was typing when you posted hp.

Anything 2 and under just needs more review, there is no "better" score with the HCA.

Have you seen any Hearts on Fire diamonds, or AGS0? Just be sure you''ve seen very well cut stones before making a decision.

 

[Regular Guy]

Date: 8/12/2008 8:44:05 AM
Author: Ellen

Have you seen any Hearts on Fire diamonds, or AGS0? Just be sure you've seen very well cut stones before making a decision.

I had thought to say this, but declined in consideration of your timetable. But...I do agree strongly with this suggestion. And...after having said that...hope you may find it reasonable to come back to your original set, after having made the comparison. And, between the original two...the discount I would value. The size and symmetry variances are really hardly worth noting...but were all I had to reference.

 

[happy dude]

Thanks for your responses guys.

Will keep looking and keep you posted.

Cheers!

Happy Dude

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/12/2008 8:38:24 AM
Author: Ellen
Ok, I''ll throw the wrench in here amongst my friends, and say I would decline both of them.

ow!!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 8/12/2008 9:01:27 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 8/12/2008 8:38:24 AM
Author: Ellen
Ok, I''ll throw the wrench in here amongst my friends, and say I would decline both of them.

ow!!

hp, I know you have a timeline, but, please don''t rush this too much. A beautiful diamond is a thing to behold, and one that will bring your intended a lifetime of happiness. Let''s get it right.

And yes, please do keep us posted!